USPTO Ditches Unused COVID Patent Fast-Track Program
Published Date: 4/16/2026
Notice
Summary
The USPTO is ending its Fast-Track program that sped up COVID-19-related patent appeals because it wasn’t used much. Starting April 17, 2026, no new fast-track requests will be accepted, letting the office focus on speeding up all patent appeals instead. This change won’t cost anyone extra but means COVID-19 appeals will follow the regular review timeline from now on.
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Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Use Broad Fast-Track Program Instead (Fee)
Applicants may instead request expedited handling under the USPTO's Fast-Track Appeals Pilot Program by filing a petition and paying a petition fee; that program sets a target of reaching a decision on the ex parte appeal within six months from the date the appeal is entered into the program. This gives a faster review but requires paying the petition fee.
No New COVID-19 Fast-Track Petitions
Starting after midnight ET on April 16, 2026, the USPTO will not grant any new petitions to participate in the Fast-Track for COVID-19-Related Appeals Pilot Program. COVID-19-related ex parte appeals filed after that time will follow the regular PTAB review timeline.
Existing Fast-Track Petitions Keep Status
If you filed a grantable petition for the COVID-19 fast-track by midnight ET on April 16, 2026, your ex parte appeal will keep its fast-track status. That fast-track status will remain until the PTAB's jurisdiction ends under 37 CFR 41.35(b), even if the appeal is still pending after the deadline.
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